Sourabh Chandrakar, one of the key figures behind the Mahadev betting app scam, has been formally arrested in Dubai following a Red Notice issued by Interpol. He is accused of masterminding a massive money laundering and fraud scheme that reportedly defrauded the public of Rs 6,000 crore through illegal online betting operations. Chandrakar’s extradition or deportation to India is expected in the coming days, with the process already underway, according to sources.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is probing the scam, sought the Red Notice against Chandrakar and co-promoter Ravi Uppal, both of whom hail from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. The scam, involving the Mahadev Online Book (MOB) app, has implicated high-ranking politicians and bureaucrats from Chhattisgarh, as well as other prominent figures. Uppal was detained in Dubai last year, and investigations have revealed links between the betting syndicate and notorious underworld elements, including D Company.
Lavish Spending And Celebrity Ties
Chandrakar’s lavish lifestyle has come under scrutiny as part of the ED’s investigation. In 2023, he spent a staggering Rs 200 crore on his wedding in the UAE, hiring private jets to bring his relatives from India and paying Bollywood celebrities to perform at the event. These extravagant expenses are believed to have been funded by illegal betting operations run through the Mahadev app, which laundered money via a network of benami accounts and hawala channels.
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Nationwide Investigation And Political Links
The app operated through a network of panel operators across India, allowing users to place illegal bets online. The ED has uncovered evidence that the promoters funneled a significant portion of the profits to bribe politicians and bureaucrats, raising concerns about widespread corruption.
The ED has already arrested 11 people in connection with the scam and filed charge sheets against Chandrakar and Uppal. Numerous Bollywood celebrities and influencers have also been summoned for questioning regarding their association with the betting platform.
Operations Run From UAE
The Mahadev app is believed to have its central operations based in the UAE, with profits shared between promoters and associates on a 70-30 basis. The app is an umbrella syndicate that facilitated illegal betting, and it used extensive cash advertising in India to attract users and expand its network.
